“It has come to my attention that con artists are targeting City Light customers with Asian surnames and Asian businesses,” Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell stated in a press release.

Harrell said that if customers receive a phone call from someone claiming to be an electric utility employee threatening to disconnect power, they should be very cautious. Do not provide personal information such as credit card and social security numbers.

“Seattle City Light does not demand immediate payment for a single late bill, and social security numbers are not incorporated into their billing process,” stated Harrell.

“When City Light customers fall behind on [a] payment and are faced with their power being shut off, the utility sends at least two written warnings instructing the customer to contact the utility and submit payment.”

City Light does not contact customers on weekends about billing. City Light employees have identification that includes the City Light logo and will always show it when asked.

Harrell stated that customers who are contacted by a person suspiciously claiming to represent City Light should record the name and telephone number of the person and contact City Light for verification. If the caller asks for credit card information, call City Light at 206-684-3000 to ensure legitimacy. ♦